EP0428890B1 - Trailer coupling with load cell - Google Patents

Trailer coupling with load cell Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0428890B1
EP0428890B1 EP90120370A EP90120370A EP0428890B1 EP 0428890 B1 EP0428890 B1 EP 0428890B1 EP 90120370 A EP90120370 A EP 90120370A EP 90120370 A EP90120370 A EP 90120370A EP 0428890 B1 EP0428890 B1 EP 0428890B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
load cell
trailer coupling
trailer
forces
coupling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP90120370A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0428890A2 (en
EP0428890A3 (en
Inventor
Hans Wilhelm Häfner
Manfred Heimbach
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Pfister GmbH
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Pfister GmbH
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Priority to EP91102543A priority Critical patent/EP0437284B1/en
Publication of EP0428890A2 publication Critical patent/EP0428890A2/en
Publication of EP0428890A3 publication Critical patent/EP0428890A3/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
    • B62D53/04—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
    • B62D53/08—Fifth wheel traction couplings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/02—Measuring force or stress, in general by hydraulic or pneumatic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/13—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the tractive or propulsive power of vehicles
    • G01L5/136—Force sensors associated with a vehicle traction coupling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a trailer coupling with the preamble features of claim 1.
  • a trailer coupling is known from EP-A-0 302 437, in which force measuring cells are integrated for measuring horizontal and / or vertical forces when braking and accelerating vehicle combinations.
  • a load cell is provided in the vertical measuring direction in order to determine the drawbar load of a trailer.
  • the measurement signal of the pressure, tensile or support forces can be fed to a control device such as an anti-lock braking system to optimize the driving properties.
  • the load cells of EP-A-0 302 437 consist of a piston which is immersed in an annular gap filled with elastomeric material in a cup-shaped housing.
  • the coupling parts of the trailer coupling are designed such that specially designed coupling parts are necessary. In the case of a new purchase of the trailer coupling, the solution described is economical, but there are still a large number of trailer couplings in use, in which the load cell described above cannot be used, unless the entire trailer coupling is to be replaced.
  • the force measuring device described in EP-A-0 302 437 should also be able to be used economically for trailer couplings already in use or as additional equipment, in particular to use the control options based on the detected measurement signal of the tensile, compressive and / or supporting forces to be able to.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a simple and space-saving retrofitting option for such trailer couplings with the greatest possible use of existing coupling parts.
  • a fifth wheel coupling 51 according to DIN 74 081 is shown.
  • a towing eye 52 is provided here in the center of a saddle plate 53, which is pivotably mounted on a lateral bearing bracket 54 on two lateral bearing blocks 54.
  • FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention in the form of the fifth wheel coupling according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • a replaceable bearing block 54 is provided on the fifth wheel coupling 51 and has a bearing for the transverse axis 55.
  • the transverse axis 55 is provided in a first piston 67a, which is fitted in a housing 58 in the vertical direction and acts on a sensor 61 located below. Between the piston 67a and the cup-like housing 58 there is a space at the bottom of the housing 58 and a narrow annular gap 9 which is completely filled with elastomeric material (as shown in dotted lines).
  • the sensor 61 which is attached below the bottom of the housing 58, is connected to the elastomeric material, for example a firmly adhering silicone, so that when the piston 67a is acted upon in vertical force by the supporting force on the trailer coupling, the piston 67a the pressure sensor 61 acted on the elastomeric material.
  • the measurement signal of the pressure sensor 61 can, as shown in EP-A-0 302 437, be passed on to control devices such as anti-lock braking systems for the team.
  • first vertically aligned load cell 67 two further horizontally aligned load cells 47 and 57 are provided, each with the same sensors 61, which detect the tensile forces and the compressive forces. It is advantageous here that the housing 58 of the first load cell 67 also the pistons 47a and 57a of the second and third load cells 47 and 57 forms. Thus, all the forces required for the control of anti-lock braking systems are detected by a one-piece component 58 within the bearing block 54. If it is more advantageous in terms of production technology, the load cells 47 and 57 can also be separated from one another, so that the vertical housing of the load cell is practically clamped and guided between the two horizontal load cells 47 and 57. Instead of two horizontal load cells 47 and 57, only one can be provided, which is then biased by a spring at the level of the force to be expected.
  • the load cell can be installed in the trailer coupling in a simple manner, as here by replacing a bearing block 54.
  • a bearing block 54 of the saddle plate 53 To detect the tensile, compressive and / or supporting forces, the replacement of a bearing block 54 of the saddle plate 53 is sufficient, but both bearing blocks 54 can also be used
  • Load cells 67, 47 and / or 57 may be provided and exchanged for the conventional bearing blocks 54. It is essential here that a large part of the components of the conventional trailer coupling can continue to be used and thus older towing vehicles can also be equipped with the load cells.
  • the triple load cell 67, 47, 57 shown in FIG. 3 can also be used in a trailer coupling 1 according to FIG. 1, the fastening parts of the bearing block 54 being replaced by the corresponding connecting parts, namely the coupling flange 5 and the connecting flange 6.
  • this arrangement of the load cells is at the side of the central towing eye 52 next to the force measurement Taking the lever length 56 (cf. FIG. 1) into account, a torque measurement is also possible.
  • the moments occurring around the vertical axis on the trailer coupling in particular when cornering and strong steering angles between the towing vehicle and the trailer or semitrailer, can be measured and used to optimize the driving behavior.
  • the right or left wheels of the team can be braked to different degrees by means of an anti-lock braking system known to the vehicle technician in order to prevent the team from buckling or being inclined too much.
  • the corresponding limit values are stored in a memory of a microprocessor control, as are the control or braking reactions to be initiated as a function of the measurement signals, such as the z. B. is explained in more detail in EP-A-0 302 437.
  • the height of the gap 9 is chosen to be larger than the diameter of the piston 67a, preferably even larger than the diameter of the same.
  • the invention is applicable to towbars, in particular on motor vehicle combinations and in railway wagons.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
  • Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Steering Control In Accordance With Driving Conditions (AREA)
  • Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)
  • Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)

Abstract

A trailer coupling has at least one force measurement cell for measuring traction, compression and/or supporting forces between a towing vehicle and trailer. The cell contains a piston arranged in a pot-shaped housing to form an elastomer-filled annular gap and which acts on a pressure sensor. When used with standard trailer couplings, the measurement cell (7) is mounted in the force path between the towing vehicle (3a) and the towing coupling (1).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Anhängerkupplung mit den oberbegrifflichen Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a trailer coupling with the preamble features of claim 1.

Aus der EP-A-0 302 437 ist eine Anhängerkupplung bekannt, in die zur Messung von horizontalen und/oder vertikalen Kräften beim Bremsen und Beschleunigen von Fahrzeuggespannen Kraftmeßzellen integriert sind. In einer weiteren Ausführungsform dieser Anhängerkupplung ist eine Kraftmeßzelle in vertikaler Meßrichtung vorgesehen, um die Stützlast eines Anhängers zu bestimmen. Das Meßsignal der Druck-, Zug- oder Stützkräfte kann dabei einer Steuervorrichtung wie einem Antiblockiersystem zur Optimierung der Fahreigenschaften zugeleitet werden. Obwohl hierbei die Kombinationsmöglichkeit zwischen Kraftmeßzellen für vertikale und horizontale Kräfte angedeutet ist, wird eine derartige Ausführungsform nicht näher beschrieben.A trailer coupling is known from EP-A-0 302 437, in which force measuring cells are integrated for measuring horizontal and / or vertical forces when braking and accelerating vehicle combinations. In a further embodiment of this trailer coupling, a load cell is provided in the vertical measuring direction in order to determine the drawbar load of a trailer. The measurement signal of the pressure, tensile or support forces can be fed to a control device such as an anti-lock braking system to optimize the driving properties. Although the combination possibility between load cells for vertical and horizontal forces is indicated here, such an embodiment is not described in detail.

Die Kraftmeßzellen der EP-A-0 302 437 bestehen dabei aus einem Kolben, der in einen mit elastomerem Material gefüllten Ringspalt in ein topfförmiges Gehäuse eintaucht. Die Kupplungsteile der Anhängerkupplung sind dabei derart ausgebildet, daß speziell gestaltete Kupplungsteile nötig sind. Im Falle einer Neuanschaffung der Anhängerkupplung ist die beschriebene Lösung wirtschaftlich, jedoch befindet sich noch eine Vielzahl von Anhängerkupplungen im Einsatz, bei denen die oben beschriebene Kraftmeßzelle nicht anwendbar ist, sofern nicht ein Austausch der gesamten Anhängerkupplung vorgenommen werden soll. Andererseits sollte die in der EP-A-0 302 437 beschriebene Kraftmeßvorrichtung in wirtschaftlicher Weise auch für bereits im Einsatz befindliche Anhängerkupplungen oder als Zusatzausrüstung angewendet werden können, um insbesondere die Steuerungsmöglichkeiten aufgrund des erfaßten Meßsignals der Zug-, Druck- und/oder Stützkräfte nutzen zu können.The load cells of EP-A-0 302 437 consist of a piston which is immersed in an annular gap filled with elastomeric material in a cup-shaped housing. The coupling parts of the trailer coupling are designed such that specially designed coupling parts are necessary. In the case of a new purchase of the trailer coupling, the solution described is economical, but there are still a large number of trailer couplings in use, in which the load cell described above cannot be used, unless the entire trailer coupling is to be replaced. On the other hand, the force measuring device described in EP-A-0 302 437 should also be able to be used economically for trailer couplings already in use or as additional equipment, in particular to use the control options based on the detected measurement signal of the tensile, compressive and / or supporting forces to be able to.

Demzufolge liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine einfache und platzsparende Nachrüstmöglichkeit für derartige Anhängerkupplungen unter weitestgehender Verwendung vorhandener Kupplungsteile zu ermöglichen.Accordingly, the invention has for its object to provide a simple and space-saving retrofitting option for such trailer couplings with the greatest possible use of existing coupling parts.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Anhängerkupplung mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.This object is achieved by a trailer coupling with the features of patent claim 1.

Durch die Verwendung der an sich bekannten Kraftmeßzelle und deren Anordnung in wenigstens einem der Lagerböcke im Kraftweg zwischen dem Zugfahrzeug und der Zugöse der Sattelkupplung wird einerseits die Übertragung hoher Zugkräfte über die Anhängerkupplung möglich und andererseits eine genaue Kraftmessung der Stütz-, Zug- und/oder Druckkräfte erreicht. Hierdurch ist eine exakte Messung der horizontalen und/oder vertikalen Kräfte möglich, wobei die Norm-Anhängerkupplung ohne wesentliche Änderungen weiterverwendet wird. Somit ergibt sich eine billige, platzsparende und wirtschaftliche Nachrüstmöglichkeit selbst älterer Anhängerkupplungen, um aus den Meßsignalen der Kraftmeßzelle die Fahreigenschaften des Fahrzeuggespannes zu optimieren, insbesondere durch Steuerung der Bremsanlage in Abhängigkeit von dem gemessenen Anhängergewicht und/oder dessen Zug- bzw. Druckkraft auf das Zugfahrzeug Schrägstellungen oder das sog. "Ausbrechen" des Anhängers zu verhindern.Through the use of the known load cell and its arrangement in at least one of the pedestals in the force path between the towing vehicle and the towing eye of the fifth wheel coupling, on the one hand the transmission of high tensile forces via the trailer coupling is possible and on the other hand an exact force measurement of the support, tension and / or Pressure forces reached. This enables an exact measurement of the horizontal and / or vertical forces, whereby the standard trailer coupling can be used without major changes. This results in a cheap, space-saving and economical retrofit option even for older trailer couplings in order to optimize the driving characteristics of the vehicle combination from the measurement signals of the load cell, in particular by controlling the brake system depending on the measured trailer weight and / or its tractive or compressive force on the towing vehicle To prevent inclinations or the so-called "breaking out" of the trailer.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist die Ausführung, bei der sowohl die Zug- und Druckkräfte als auch die Stützkräfte mit einer Dreifach-Kraftmeßzelle erfaßt werden, wobei der oder die Kolben der horizontalen Kraftmeßzelle zugleich als Gehäuse der senkrecht hierzu ausgerichteten Kraftmeßzelle dient bzw. dienen. Damit sind mit einer kompakten, leicht nachzurüstenden Einheit sämtliche auf die Anhängerkupplung wirkenden Zug-, Druck- und Abstützkräfte erfaßbar, so daß alle für eine Antiblockierregelung oder eine Antischlupfregelung relevanten Einflußgrößen erfaßt werden können. Neben der Kraftmessung ist dabei in vorteilhafter Weise zugleich auch die Messung der an der Anhängerkupplung angreifenden Momente möglich.Of particular advantage is the design in which both the tensile and compressive forces and the supporting forces are recorded with a triple load cell, the piston or pistons of the horizontal load cell also serving or serving as the housing of the load cell aligned perpendicularly thereto. This means that all the tensile, compressive and supporting forces acting on the trailer coupling can be detected with a compact, easily retrofitted unit, so that all influencing variables relevant for an anti-lock control or an anti-slip control can be recorded. In addition to the force measurement, it is also advantageously possible to measure the moments acting on the trailer coupling.

Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche und werden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles in der nachfolgenden Zeichnung näher erläutert und beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform der Anhängerkupplung in Form einer Sattelkupplung;
Fig. 2
eine Seitenansicht der Anhängerkupplung gemäß Fig. 1; und
Fig. 3
eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Einzelheit der Anhängerkupplung gemäß Fig. 2.
Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained and described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment in the drawing below. Show it:
Fig. 1
a plan view of an embodiment of the trailer coupling in the form of a fifth wheel;
Fig. 2
a side view of the trailer hitch according to FIG. 1; and
Fig. 3
3 shows a sectional illustration through a detail of the trailer coupling according to FIG. 2.

In Fig. 1 und 2 ist eine Sattelkupplung 51 nach DIN 74 081 dargestellt. Eine Zugöse 52 ist hier im Zentrum einer Sattelplatte 53 vorgesehen, die um eine Fahrzeug-Querachse 55 auf zwei seitlichen Lagerböcken 54 schwenkbar gelagert ist.1 and 2, a fifth wheel coupling 51 according to DIN 74 081 is shown. A towing eye 52 is provided here in the center of a saddle plate 53, which is pivotably mounted on a lateral bearing bracket 54 on two lateral bearing blocks 54.

In Fig. 3 ist eine erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung der Anhängerkupplung in Form der Sattelkupplung nach Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellt. Dabei ist ein an der Sattelkupplung 51 austauschbarer Lagerbock 54 vorgesehen, der eine Lagerung für die Querachse 55 aufweist. Die Querachse 55 ist in einem ersten Kolben 67a vorgesehen, der in einem Gehäuse 58 in vertikaler Richtung eingepaßt ist und auf einen unten liegenden Sensor 61 wirkt. Zwischen dem Kolben 67a und dem topfartigen Gehäuses 58 ist ein Raum am Boden des Gehäuses 58 und ein schmaler Ringspalt 9 vorgesehen, der vollständig mit elastomerem Material gefüllt ist (wie punktiert gezeigt). Mit dem elastomeren Material, z.B. einem fest anhaftendem Silikon, steht der Sensor 61, der unterhalb des Bodens des Gehäuses 58 angebracht ist, in Verbindung, so daß bei Beaufschlagung des Kolbens 67a in vertikaler Kraft durch die Stützkraft auf die Anhängerkupplung der Kolben 67a den Drucksensor 61 über das elastomere Material beaufschlagt. Das Meßsignal des Drucksensors 61 kann, wie in der EP-A-0 302 437 dargestellt, an Steuervorrichtungen wie Antiblockiersystemen für das Gespann weitergeleitet werden. Durch die Füllung des engen Ringspaltes 9 mit elastomerem Material hält die Anhängerkupplung 1 selbst hohen Zugbeanspruchungen bei voll beladenem Anhänger stand und ermöglicht zugleich ein feinfühliges Ansprechen des Sensors 61 auf vertikale Kräfte. Neben dieser ersten vertikal ausgerichteten Kraftmeßzelle 67 sind zwei weitere horizontal ausgerichtete Kraftmeßzellen 47 und 57 mit jeweils gleichen Sensoren 61 vorgesehen, die die Zugkräfte und die Druckkräfte erfassen. Hierbei ist vorteilhaft, daß das Gehäuse 58 der ersten Kraftmeßzelle 67 zugleich die Kolben 47a und 57a der zweiten und dritten Kraftmeßzelle 47 und 57 bildet. Somit werden durch ein einstückiges Bauteil 58 innerhalb des Lagerbockes 54 sämtliche für die Regelung von Antiblockiersystemen notwendigen Kräfte erfaßt. Sofern es fertigungstechnisch vorteilhafter ist, können die Kraftmeßzellen 47 und 57 auch voneinander getrennt sein, so daß das vertikale Gehäuse der Kraftmeßzelle praktisch zwischen den beiden horizontalen Kraftmeßzellen 47 und 57 eingespannt und geführt ist. Anstatt zweier horizontaler Kraftmeßzellen 47 und 57 kann auch nur eine einzige vorgesehen sein, die dann durch eine Feder in Höhe der zu erwartenden Kraft vorgespannt ist.3 shows an embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention in the form of the fifth wheel coupling according to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, a replaceable bearing block 54 is provided on the fifth wheel coupling 51 and has a bearing for the transverse axis 55. The transverse axis 55 is provided in a first piston 67a, which is fitted in a housing 58 in the vertical direction and acts on a sensor 61 located below. Between the piston 67a and the cup-like housing 58 there is a space at the bottom of the housing 58 and a narrow annular gap 9 which is completely filled with elastomeric material (as shown in dotted lines). The sensor 61, which is attached below the bottom of the housing 58, is connected to the elastomeric material, for example a firmly adhering silicone, so that when the piston 67a is acted upon in vertical force by the supporting force on the trailer coupling, the piston 67a the pressure sensor 61 acted on the elastomeric material. The measurement signal of the pressure sensor 61 can, as shown in EP-A-0 302 437, be passed on to control devices such as anti-lock braking systems for the team. By filling the narrow annular gap 9 with elastomeric material, the trailer coupling 1 can withstand even high tensile loads when the trailer is fully loaded and at the same time enables the sensor 61 to respond sensitively to vertical forces. In addition to this first vertically aligned load cell 67, two further horizontally aligned load cells 47 and 57 are provided, each with the same sensors 61, which detect the tensile forces and the compressive forces. It is advantageous here that the housing 58 of the first load cell 67 also the pistons 47a and 57a of the second and third load cells 47 and 57 forms. Thus, all the forces required for the control of anti-lock braking systems are detected by a one-piece component 58 within the bearing block 54. If it is more advantageous in terms of production technology, the load cells 47 and 57 can also be separated from one another, so that the vertical housing of the load cell is practically clamped and guided between the two horizontal load cells 47 and 57. Instead of two horizontal load cells 47 and 57, only one can be provided, which is then biased by a spring at the level of the force to be expected.

Die Kraftmeßzelle ist in die Anhängerkupplung auf einfache Weise einzubauen, wie hier durch den Austausch eines Lagerbockes 54. Zur Erfassung der Zug-, Druck- und/oder Stützkräfte genügt dabei der Austausch eines Lagerbockes 54 der Sattelplatte 53, jedoch können auch beide Lagerböcke 54 mit Kraftmeßzellen 67, 47 und/oder 57 versehen sein und gegen die herkömmlichen Lagerböcke 54 ausgetauscht werden. Wesentlich ist hierbei, daß ein Großteil der Bauteile der herkömmlichen Anhängerkupplung weiterverwendet werden können und somit auch ältere Zugfahrzeuge mit den Kraftmeßzellen ausgerüstet werden können.The load cell can be installed in the trailer coupling in a simple manner, as here by replacing a bearing block 54. To detect the tensile, compressive and / or supporting forces, the replacement of a bearing block 54 of the saddle plate 53 is sufficient, but both bearing blocks 54 can also be used Load cells 67, 47 and / or 57 may be provided and exchanged for the conventional bearing blocks 54. It is essential here that a large part of the components of the conventional trailer coupling can continue to be used and thus older towing vehicles can also be equipped with the load cells.

Die in Fig. 3 dargestellte Dreifach-Kraftmeßzelle 67, 47, 57 kann auch bei einer Anhängerkupplung 1 nach Fig. 1 Anwendung finden, wobei die Befestigungsteile des Lagerbockes 54 durch die entsprechenden Anschlußteile, nämlich den Kupplungsflansch 5 und den Anschlußflansch 6 ersetzt würden.The triple load cell 67, 47, 57 shown in FIG. 3 can also be used in a trailer coupling 1 according to FIG. 1, the fastening parts of the bearing block 54 being replaced by the corresponding connecting parts, namely the coupling flange 5 and the connecting flange 6.

Obwohl es vorteilhaft ist, wenn alle drei Kraftmeßzellen 67, 47, 57 nur in einem Lagerbock 54 angeordnet sind, können beispielsweise auch die Horizontalkräfte durch die Kraftmeßzellen 47 und 57 in einem Lagerbock 54 gemessen werden, während die Kraftmeßzelle 67 für die Stützkraftmessung in dem zweiten Lagerbock 54 angeordnet ist.Although it is advantageous if all three load cells 67, 47, 57 are arranged in only one bearing block 54, the horizontal forces can also be measured by the load cells 47 and 57 in one bearing block 54, for example, while the load cell 67 for supporting force measurement in the second Bearing block 54 is arranged.

Darüberhinaus ist durch diese Anordnung der Kraftmeßzellen seitlich von der zentralen Zugöse 52 neben der Kräftemessung bei Berücksichtigung der Hebellänge 56 (vgl. Fig. 1) auch eine Momentenmessung möglich. Dadurch sind die insbesondere bei Kurvenfahrt und starken Einschlagwinkeln zwischen Zugfahrzeug und Anhänger bzw. Sattelauflieger auftretenden Momente um die Hochachse auf die Anhängerkupplung meßbar und zur Optimierung des Fahrverhaltens heranzuziehen. Beispielsweise können mittels eines dem Fahrzeugtechniker bekannten Antiblockiersystem die rechten oder linken Räder des Gespanns unterschiedlich stark gebremst werden, um ein Einknicken oder eine zu starke Schrägstellung des Gespanns zu verhindern.In addition, this arrangement of the load cells is at the side of the central towing eye 52 next to the force measurement Taking the lever length 56 (cf. FIG. 1) into account, a torque measurement is also possible. As a result, the moments occurring around the vertical axis on the trailer coupling, in particular when cornering and strong steering angles between the towing vehicle and the trailer or semitrailer, can be measured and used to optimize the driving behavior. For example, the right or left wheels of the team can be braked to different degrees by means of an anti-lock braking system known to the vehicle technician in order to prevent the team from buckling or being inclined too much.

Die entsprechenden Grenzwerte sind in einem Speicher einer Mikroprozessorsteuerung abgespeichert, ebenso die in Abhängigkeit von den Meßsignalen einzuleitenden Steuerungs- oder Bremsreaktionen, wie die z. B. in der EP-A-0 302 437 näher erläutert ist.The corresponding limit values are stored in a memory of a microprocessor control, as are the control or braking reactions to be initiated as a function of the measurement signals, such as the z. B. is explained in more detail in EP-A-0 302 437.

Es sei darauf hingewiesen, daß bei der Kraftmeßzelle gemäß Fig. 3 zur Ableitung von verhältnismäßig hohen Seitenkräften die Höhe des Spalts 9 größer gewählt wird als der Durchmesser des Kolbens 67a, vorzugsweise sogar größer als der Durchmesser desselben.It should be noted that in the force measuring cell according to FIG. 3, in order to derive relatively high lateral forces, the height of the gap 9 is chosen to be larger than the diameter of the piston 67a, preferably even larger than the diameter of the same.

Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Figuren 1 bis 3 ist es auch möglich, seitliche Kräfte zu messen, die auf den Anhänger wirken und zwar dann, wenn eine Kraftmeßzelle mit analogem Aufbau mit Wirkung in Querrichtung in den Lagerbock oder in den Übergang zwischen der Achse 55 und dem Lagerbock 54 angeordnet wird.In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, it is also possible to measure lateral forces which act on the trailer, specifically when a load cell with an analog structure has an effect in the transverse direction in the bearing block or in the transition between the axis 55 and the bearing block 54 is arranged.

Die Erfindung ist anwendbar auf Anhängerkupplungen insbesondere an Kraftfahrzeuggespannen und bei Eisenbahnwaggons.The invention is applicable to towbars, in particular on motor vehicle combinations and in railway wagons.

Claims (5)

  1. A trailer coupling with at least one load cell for measuring traction forces, pressure forces, and/or supporting forces present between a tracting vehicle and a trailer, wherein the load cell comprises a piston acting on a pressure sensor and disposed in a pot-like housing and forming an annular gap filled with elastomeric material
    characterized in that
    the trailer coupling (1) is formed as a saddle coupling comprising a saddle plate (53) pivotally supported on a lateral shaft (55) by means of bearing blocks (54), at least one of said bearing blocks (54) having integrated therein a load cell (67) aligned in a vertical direction for measuring any supporting force, and having further arranged therein at least one load cell (47 and/or 57) aligned in a horizontal direction for measuring longitudinal and/or lateral traction/pressure forces whose central axes are intersecting.
  2. The trailer coupling of claim 1, characterized in that said piston (47a, 57a) measuring the traction and/or pressure forces is formed as a housing (58) sheltering said load cell (67) measuring the supporting force.
  3. The trailer coupling of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two load cells (47, 57) determined for traction/pressure directions are combined to form a twin load cell designed symmetrically in opposite manner, said bearing block (54) having inserted therein an approximately cylindrical element (58) having piston ends inserted in a recess complementary thereto of a base member (64) of said bearing block (54) with horizontal forces acting thereon.
  4. The trailer coupling of claim 1, characterized in that said load cells (47, 57, 67) are merely arranged in one bearing block (54).
  5. The trailer coupling of any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said horizontally aligned load cell(s) (47, 57) is/are connected to a moment detection controller in association with a distance (56) from a loop traction eye (52) to said respective load cell (47, 57).
EP90120370A 1989-10-25 1990-10-24 Trailer coupling with load cell Expired - Lifetime EP0428890B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP91102543A EP0437284B1 (en) 1989-10-25 1990-10-24 Force measuring device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3935479A DE3935479A1 (en) 1989-10-25 1989-10-25 TRAILER HITCH
DE3935479 1989-10-25

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91102543.5 Division-Into 1991-02-21

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0428890A2 EP0428890A2 (en) 1991-05-29
EP0428890A3 EP0428890A3 (en) 1992-03-18
EP0428890B1 true EP0428890B1 (en) 1995-01-11

Family

ID=6392147

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91102543A Expired - Lifetime EP0437284B1 (en) 1989-10-25 1990-10-24 Force measuring device
EP90120370A Expired - Lifetime EP0428890B1 (en) 1989-10-25 1990-10-24 Trailer coupling with load cell

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91102543A Expired - Lifetime EP0437284B1 (en) 1989-10-25 1990-10-24 Force measuring device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5060965A (en)
EP (2) EP0437284B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH03170825A (en)
KR (1) KR910007703A (en)
AT (2) ATE117075T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2028479A1 (en)
DE (3) DE3935479A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0428890A2 (en) 1991-05-29
EP0437284A3 (en) 1992-04-08
ATE106140T1 (en) 1994-06-15
ATE117075T1 (en) 1995-01-15
JPH03170825A (en) 1991-07-24
EP0437284B1 (en) 1994-05-25
DE3935479A1 (en) 1991-05-02
US5060965A (en) 1991-10-29
DE59008249D1 (en) 1995-02-23
CA2028479A1 (en) 1991-04-26
KR910007703A (en) 1991-05-30
EP0437284A2 (en) 1991-07-17
EP0428890A3 (en) 1992-03-18
DE59005822D1 (en) 1994-06-30

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